West Des Moines Public Safety Station 21

Project Description  

In 2015, Resource was engaged to design the replacement and retrofit of selected mechanical systems at Station 21. The goal was to modernize the building’s infrastructure to enhance indoor air quality, comfort, and energy efficiency. The project required close coordination across multiple disciplines, including architectural and electrical, to support the upgraded mechanical design.

Scope of Work  

The scope included the installation of dedicated outside air systems (DOAS) paired with four-pipe fan coil units for terminal heating and cooling. These systems were designed to operate with low-temperature heating water, an approach that was progressive at the time and has since become more common due to its energy-efficient benefits.

An air-cooled chiller with hot gas bypass was specified to handle variable seasonal loads, ensuring operational flexibility during lower-demand periods such as spring and fall. The project also included upgrades to the electrical infrastructure and architectural accommodations to support new equipment integration.

Challenge Faced 

While implementing forward-thinking technologies such as low-temperature heating water systems, one challenge was balancing modern energy strategies with the constraints of an existing facility. Additionally, integrating new HVAC components into Station 21’s operational environment required careful phasing and coordination to minimize disruptions.

Project Outcome 

The new mechanical systems significantly improved thermal comfort and indoor air quality in previously problematic areas. Enhanced energy efficiency was achieved through right-sized equipment, seasonal load management, and the use of advanced system configurations.

Importantly, the addition of a Direct Digital Control (DDC) system now allows the City to remotely monitor HVAC performance and receive real-time alarms—a major improvement in operational visibility and response capability.